Now is optimal to change Manchester United's system - Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.

Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.

"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.

"When you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.

"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.

"We will become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."

Squad Challenges Continue

Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.

He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.

"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.